At the time I am writing this article, I am sitting in a jury assembly room waiting to see if I have the opportunity to serve. The judge reminded us of our heritage and the importance of trial by jury that our forefathers deemed important. Each of us, as US citizens, enjoys this freedom of a trial by a jury of our peers. We are protecting our right to a fair trial if accused.
As a follower of Jesus Christ, the Great Commission is of the utmost importance. While the term may not be in Scripture, the concept certainly is. It is “great” because it has a global scope – make disciples of all people. It is a “commission” because every believer, as a servant of Christ, has been commissioned for the task.
As a member of the Great Commission Resurgence Taskforce and a staff member of the North American Mission Board, I have a great interest in the outcome of this process – but not because of either of the positions mentioned. I am seriously interested because of the awesome assignment I, along with every believer, have been given.
I know good people on all sides of the issues that are being addressed. I would say that each has a desire to see the Gospel taken to all people around the world. All are staunch supporters of the Great Commission. But there are differing opinions of how to do it.
The truth is that God has a plan, and His plan may not fit my plan (or yours). The question: “What cost are we willing to pay for the Great Commission?” What part of my agenda am I willing to give up for the sake of the Kingdom? What cost will it take for us to move into the future so that the future is brighter than the past?
I personally have made a commitment to abandon my agenda in favor of His agenda. God has the plan for Southern Baptists in the future. He has already selected the men to lead us into that future. He has provided the resources required to do His plan. He is ready. Are we?
My prayer is that we will abandon ourselves, get on our face before God, find His will, and go to Orlando with one mind and one heart because we have one God, one Savior and one Spirit. The world is watching. So is the Father. Let’s get it right. Let’s do it together. A lost world does not have time for us to halt between two opinions. We have an assignment and a responsibility. Ezra 10:4 exhorts us: “Arise, for this matter is your responsibility. We also are with you. Be of good courage and do it.” It is time to “arise.”
